A DOVE MOMENT

img_6263

Every other day there’s a new product to try out from some new brand. And when you blog, you hear about a lot of beauty products and you get to try so very many of them as well. I’ve found that there are some brands and some products that truly stand the test of time and no matter how many new products come my way, I stick with them because quite simply, they work.

If there’s one product I have been loyal to for a very long time, it’s Dove Antiperspirant. I was first introduced to Dove products by my mum (before I even knew what a beauty regimen meant) who swears by their beauty bars to this day. I personally started using Dove Antiperspirant in college (way way back) and I’ve never looked back. The few times I’ve ventured to try  other products, be they organic or Aluminum free deodorants, I could barely make it to midday without becoming a total smelly sweaty mess and that’s never a good look. So right back to Dove, I’ve always gone.

So when I got the chance to ask Dove Dermatologist, Dr. Alicia Barba, a few questions about antiperspirants and an often neglected area of the body: underarms, I was like let’s do this. After all, nearly 2 in 3 women experience some kind of underarm issue beyond odor and wetness, whether it be irritation, uneven skin tone, dryness or darkening. Here are my questions and her answers:

dsc_0878

What is the right way to put on deodorant and more importantly is there a right way to take it off?

There is no right or wrong way to put on deodorant, you just want to be sure that you’re effectively covering the area. An easy way to think about it is with three swipes – up, down, up. To take off your deodorant, use a gentle cleanser in the shower.

What causes darkened underarm areas and what’s the best way to remedy?

Darkened skin under the arms are often caused by friction and occasionally by inflammation. Friction from underarm skin rubbing on itself or on clothes and friction from aggressive shaving are often culprits, as is overzealous waxing. Darker skin tones are particularly prone to darkened underarms, which can be genetic in nature to some extent. To remedy dark marks on your underarms, treat the area under the arms as you would other sensitive areas on your body. Be gentle when removing hair. Use a deodorant that contains calendula, an ingredient known to help restore skin to its natural tone. I recommend Dove Advanced Care in Clear Tone. It provides 48 hour protection plus added skincare benefits with its NutriumMoisture formula for softer, smoother underarms.

Some people say Aluminum in deodorant should be a concern and has been linked to certain health conditions. Is this truth or myth? 

Aluminum as an ingredient is sometimes discussed in articles and reports, but extensive research and the overwhelming majority of third-party experts and organizations – including the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) – have shown there is no reliable evidence that aluminum is linked to health issues. Aluminum based salts in antiperspirants are regulated as over the counter drugs by the FDA.

Up until recently I used Dove Invisible Solid, which is definitely a solid option. But I’m glad I made the switch to Dove Advanced Care because it provides even softer skin. For even softer, smoother underarms, the Advanced Care line is a no brainer. I’m really happy about partnering with a brand that I love and that makes great products.

So, have you tried Dove yet?